Suzette Martinez Standring: The turnaround church

A new book, “The Turnaround Church” (The Alban Institute, $17), is based on the startling resurrection of The Wollaston Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) in Quincy, Mass. It was not expected to survive, much less thrive. In only 94 pages, the author, the Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Gifford, details the steps she took as pastor to revive her dwindling congregation of 25.

By Suzette Martinez Standring

The Bulletin

By Suzette Martinez Standring

Posted Jan. 21, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 21, 2010 at 9:16 PM

By Suzette Martinez Standring

Posted Jan. 21, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 21, 2010 at 9:16 PM

A new book, “The Turnaround Church” (The Alban Institute, $17), is based on the startling resurrection of The Wollaston Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) in Quincy, Mass. It was not expected to survive, much less thrive. In only 94 pages, the author, the Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Gifford, details the steps she took as pastor to revive her dwindling congregation of 25.

Today, after four and a half years, Sunday attendance has tripled to 80, Sunday school has an enrollment of 30 children and the Wollaston church has a true community presence. It may not seem like much, but it is an impressive resuscitation after a 50-year decline.

In 2003, it had all the earmarks of a dying church.

That year Gifford, a graduate from Andover-Newton Theological School, faced daunting obstacles at her new assignment. The 134-year-old church was literally at the bottom of its barrel, ranked No. 87 out of the 87 churches belonging to the Metropolitan Boston Association of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. Historically, the church was incorporated in 1876 and in 1950 it had peaked at 900 members. By 2003 only 25 people worshipped within a cavernous stone building designed to seat 600.

Longtime water damage caused building deterioration. Church culture was stagnant. Programs were minimal and a shortage of funds foreshadowed permanent closure in three years. Yet Pastor Gifford, a self-described “terminal optimist,” felt energized by the sheer will of its remaining band of believers to turn their situation around.

Her book details the changes they made to four vital areas: worship, stewardship, leadership and mission.

To each challenge, the now 59-year-old pastor brought her unique skills gained as a psychotherapist and a community organizer prior to her career in the ministry. She applied principles of the self-help movement of the 1980s and the effectiveness of 12-step programs to change long-ingrained perceptions and behavior.

The formidable task of revival required getting to the heart of the congregation’s dysfunction. Pastor Gifford wrote, “I had been called to discover and to change some of the patterns and practices that were killing their church.”

For example, being in denial allowed church members to overlook urgently needed building repairs. Some members treated the building like a personal storage space. Others had strong attachments to the past and a new direction sparked insecurity and fear.

“People do not necessarily resist change, but rather they resist loss,” Pastor Gifford wrote. Losing their church motivated members to hire her as their first full-time pastor since the 1980s. Yet the fear of losing traditions, personal power or a sense of belonging born of “the good old days” created some resistance. The turnaround pastor applied sweat, psychotherapy and hope.

Her infectious enthusiasm took root and new growth bloomed. Sometimes adjustments were as simple as great music, clear signage in the lobby, putting up seasonal decorations or welcoming visitors individually. Other times, changes were complicated, such as the arduous revamping the accounting and communication systems. Dismantling the longtime 22-member executive board and replacing it with a leaner, more efficient council of six was controversial and painful.

Page 2 of 2 - Amid criticisms, Pastor Gifford stayed the course.

Perhaps the most galvanizing boost came from interior repairs. Unsafe and dank spaces were transformed into attractive and clean classroom areas, which generated outside income when a community daycare rented the space during the week. In 2008, the stone church, an architectural gem, was accepted onto the National Register of Historic Places, opening the door to funding from the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

As commitment and participation grew, Pastor Gifford was able to secure various grants to fund program expansion. Super Kids Saturday, Healthy Kids Vacation Camp and other children’s programs attracted new churchgoers and boosted Sunday school enrollment.

Today Christian leaders everywhere battle against the loss of faith in a rapidly changing culture. Waning interest causes gaps in church attendance, helping hands and funds. Many question the relevance of “going to church” when modern life offers little free time.

At a time when mainline churches are bleeding members, “The Turnaround Church” offers concrete solutions and rare psychological insights to creating and sustaining a vibrant body of believers.

Pastor Gifford’s book is not limited to ministers. Anyone seeking a place to worship can benefit from reading her book as well. It guides the seeker in what to look for when searching how the Gospel of Jesus can feed the soul through service and fellowship. Such components include inspirational worship, meaningful Bible studies, hospitality and welcome, an uplifting environment, both spiritually and aesthetically, transparent leadership, children’s programs and outreach to the community, according to the author.

Pastor Gifford has put into print how enthusiasm coupled with a plan in four major areas can create dynamic church growth from the ground up.

E-mail Suzette Standring at suzmar@comcast.net. She is the award-winning author of “The Art of Column Writing.” She is syndicated with GateHouse News Service and teaches writing workshops nationally.